Every day I watch the news that every day shows some part of the continent buried and/or deluged with new snow, new ice, old snow, which all adds up to a new disaster. My heart goes out to everyone who is record-breaking buried, or just plain buried, in the white stuff.
I’ve seen videos of people jumping and diving from their front steps, or even balconies, into endless drifts and banks of snow. I’ve also seen news clips and videos in other venues of people slipping, sliding, and falling, from the endless snow and endless ice.
Meanwhile, I sit here in Vancouver, the grass is green, the crocuses are in bloom, and my daffodils and tulips are all out and ready to flower shortly.
I can not complain about the rain, however endless.
I’ve been thinking of what people can do when it’s so cold and sometimes unsafe to be outside.
My first thought its, read. Read about summer vacations, and of course summer romances. Temporary breaks in far away warm and beautiful places. Then again, there are lots of books about two people being trapped in a snowstorm in an inaccessible mountain cabin. I’ve even written one of those. Although for me, that’s not a storyline I’d prefer to read about when I felt even somewhat trapped by the winter weather. One of the first novella anthologies I participated in was about a family of four brothers who owned and operated a resort in Hawaii. I wish I could have gone to Hawaii to do some research.
I’m trying to think of other books I have done over time where the weather played a big part in the storyline. I suppose The Train Stops Here as well, in that one in the opening of the book the hero is a hobo riding the train in the Great Depression. He couldn’t have done that in the middle of winter, although I think in those times of great desperation, people did.
While the weather is rough, I hope that everyone can stay warm and safe. And until it gets better, curl up with a hot coffee and a good book.
Blessings!
Gail Sattler
Gail Sattler is the award winning author of over 30 novels and novellas, with more coming! Gail lives in Vancouver, BC where you don't have to shovel rain, with her husband, 3 sons, 2 dogs, and a lizard who is quite cuddly for a reptile. Besides being a writer, Gail plays bass for a local jazz band, and acoustic bass for a community orchestra. When she's not writing or making music, Gail likes to sit back with a hot coffee to enjoy a book written by someone else.
I saw one of those videos posted on Facebook. Very funny! The weather here in Texas is supposed to be around 67 tomorrow and then more snow/ice/mix on Wednesday. Ah, the unpredictableness of Texas weather.
Blessings,
Andrea
Hard to believe any part of Canada could have spring yet! We finally got a decent snowfall–which will be melted and gone before tomorrow is over. I’m ready for spring… and more reading! :)
I am looking forward to the spring flowers here. It was way into April before they showed up last year and I’m hoping it will be much sooner this year!
I love to read stories about people being trapped in a snow storm. I’m still waiting for a decent snowfall storm lol. I’ve only got a few more days and it will be spring. I hope it snows soon! l can read in any weather lol.
I live on the Oregon coast but grew up in Illinois so I know what cold, ice & snow is! I don’t miss it at all! But my heart does go out to the folks who live in the Eastern States, they’ve been blasted this year. And also for those who can’t get out because they are homebound. I don’t think I ever remember weather like that growing up.
This year, we’ve not had the rain we usually get on the coast, that I do miss, lol! It’s also been much warmer, which makes me a little worried about Summer being super dry (drought). Can’t stand it hot either. Guess I’m a bit spoiled by our usual mild weather.
Thank goodness in Heaven we won’t have to worry about things like weather, huh?
I live near Houston, TX. Our weather has been a roller coaster ride. Cold, rain and fog at times. Knowing how to dress is always a challenge. Looking forward to Spring but not the triple digits temps that arrive in August. Have a Terrific Tuesday!
I loved Faith, Hope & Love – I could feel the pain of rejection and no hope. But they pushed on and God met them and fulfilled their dream. In HIS time a dream fulfilled is even more precious!!
Here in Northeast Texas our winter has been mild, but we have experienced a few days of snow over the last two weeks. Whatever the weather, it’s always the perfect time to read! :)